Hi Friends,
I’m checking in before the weekend with a quick update from from Washington.
PRINCIPLED PROCESS
This week there were a number of impeachment inquiry depositions conducted by the Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight Committees. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I have been able to take part in the proceedings. I am a steadfast believer in transparency, accountability and fairness, and I am grateful to report that this process is being done the right way. Democrats and Republicans are participating, and both parties are given equal time to ask questions and engage witnesses. We are taking care to ensure this inquiry will be guided by the facts and the facts alone. I’ll be talking more about oversight on Fox News this Sunday, so tune in to ‘America’s News HQ’ at 12:00 CST!
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| Last Sunday, I joined Esme Murphy on WCCO to talk about the principled work we’re doing in Congress. Click here to watch the full interview. |
STANDING UP FOR OUR ALLIES
President Trump’s decision to pull US troops out of Syria and abandon our Kurdish allies to death and devastation was too egregious for words. It has led to tragic loss of life, and possibly another refugee crisis and the resurgence of ISIS. I wish it had never come to this, but I’m glad the House came together to overwhelmingly pass a resolution expressing strong support for Syrian Kurdish forces, recognizing their commitment and sacrifices in the fight against ISIS, and condemning the White House’s decision to betray their trust.
STRENGTHENING OUR DIPLOMATIC TIES
This week I also had the honor of meeting Finland’s Minister of Development and Trade, Ville Skinnari. Minnesota and Scandinavia share a special relationship. I’m looking forward to showing him around the North and introducing him to some wonderful Minnesota businesses very soon.
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| Finland’s Minister of Development and Trade is an avid hockey player and friend of the North. It was an honor to talk about Minnesota businesses with him this week. |
CONNECTING WITH MINNESOTANS
Since it’s MEA week in Minnesota, we had a large crowd at Donuts with Dean in Washington this morning! If you’re planning to visit Washington, don’t forget to check out our Donuts with Dean schedule, and if you’re sticking around Minnesota this fall, here are a few opportunities to connect with my office in October:
- My team will host mobile office hours in Maple Grove this Wednesday, October 23rd
- Join me and a panel of experts for a community conversation on environmental innovation at Hopkins High School on October 26th
- Ghosts, goblins, and costumed-constituents of all kinds are invited to trick or treat at my Minnetonka office on Halloween between 9 AM – 6 PM
- Submit an app to the Congressional App Challenge by November 1st
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| Visiting with Minnesotans at Donuts with Dean in Washington is always a highlight of my week, and this MEA crew did not disappoint! |
And finally, thank you for taking the time to answer these quick questions about the issues that are most important to you. If you haven’t already, I invite you to encourage your friends, family and neighbors to participate too – we’re in this together, and I value your feedback. Enjoy the sunshine this weekend, and go Loons!
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress